Identifying the dangers

Today 190 scientists from 39 nations submitted an appeal to the United Nations, UN member states and the World Health Organization (WHO) requesting they adopt more protective exposure guidelines for electromagnetic fields (EMF) and wireless technology in the face of increasing evidence of risk. These exposures are a rapidly growing form of environmental pollution worldwide.

Following the fifth Paris Appeal congress, which took place on the 18th of May, 2015, the attending European, American and Canadian scientists unanimously decided to create a working group and to write a Common International Declaration to request an official recognition of these new diseases and of their sanitary consequences worldwide.

Pick of the week

American Academy of Pediatrics Issues Recommendations

to “Reduce Exposure to Cell Phones”

In response to the U.S. National Toxicology Program study results finding exposure to wireless radiation significantly increased the prevalence of highly malignant heart and brain cancers in rodents, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued specific recommendations to reduce wireless cell phone exposure and updated their online resources for parents concerning cell phones and all wireless devices.

“They’re not toys. They have radiation that is emitted from them and the more we can keep it off the body and use (the phone) in other ways, it will be safer,” said Jennifer A. Lowry, M.D., FAACT, FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on Environmental Health Executive Committee in the AAPs press release on the NTP Study Results.

“The findings of brain tumors (gliomas) and malignant schwann cell tumors of the heart in the NTP study, as well as DNA damage in brain cells, present a major public health concern because these occurred in the same types of cells that have been reported to develop into tumors in epidemiological studies of adult cell phone users,” stated Ronald L. Melnick, PhD, the National Institutes of Health toxicologist who lead the NTP study design and senior advisor to the Environmental Health Trust. “For children the cancer risks may be greater than that for adults because of greater penetration and absorption of cell phone radiation in the brains of children and because the developing nervous system of children is more susceptible to tissue-damaging agents. Based on this new information, regulatory agencies need to make strong recommendations for consumers to take precautionary measures and avoid close contact with their cell phones, and especially limit or avoid use of cell phones by children reliable online pharmacyrochester pharmacy.”

The AAP has updated their Healthy Children Webpage on Cell Phones entitled Cell Phone Radiation & Children’s Health: What Parents Need to Know. The webpage reiterated children’s unique vulnerability to cell phone radiation stating, “Another problem is that the cell phone radiation test used by the FCC is based on the devices’ possible effect on large adults—not children. Children’s skulls are thinner and can absorb more radiation.”

The AAP issued the following cell phone safety tips specifically to reduce exposure to wireless radiation:
(Please remember land-lines and hard-wired computers should be the first choice for children and teens)
Use text messaging when possible, and use cell phones in speaker mode or with the use of hands-free kits.
When talking on the cell phone, try holding it an inch or more away from your head.
Make only short or essential calls on cell phones.
Avoid carrying your phone against the body like in a pocket, sock, or bra. Cell phone manufacturers can’t guarantee that the amount of radiation you’re absorbing will be at a safe level.
Do not talk on the phone or text while driving. This increases the risk of automobile crashes.
Exercise caution when using a phone or texting while walking or performing other activities. “Distracted walking” injuries are also on the rise.
If you plan to watch a movie on your device, download it first, then switch to airplane mode while you watch in order to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
Keep an eye on your signal strength (i.e. how many bars you have). The weaker your cell signal, the harder your phone has to work and the more radiation it gives off. It’s better to wait until you have a stronger signal before using your device.
Avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains, and buses. The cell phone works harder to get a signal through metal, so the power level increases.
Remember that cell phones are not toys or teething items.
“Even though the cell phone manual contains specific instructions that say do not carry the phone next to the body, the US government does not publicize this information nor mandate companies inform the public, leaving most people unaware of potential hazards, unwittingly allowing their young children to play with them like toys,” stated Devra Davis MPH, PhD, president of the Environmental Health Trust pointing to the Berkeley Cell Phone Right To Know Ordinance being challenged in court this month.

In 2012, the AAP published Pediatric Environmental Health, 3rd Edition recommending, “exposures can be reduced by encouraging children to use text messaging when possible, make only short and essential calls on cellular phones, use hands free kits and wired headsets and maintain the cellular phone an inch or more away from the head.”

Since 2012, the AAP has supported the Federal Cell Phone Right to Know Legislation and has written letters to the FCC calling on the federal government to review and strengthen radiation standards for wireless devices in an effort to protect children’s health.

The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is a self-appointed body that sets the safety guidelines used by the World Health Organisation to cover all radiation from electrical and electronic apparatus, including power lines, smartphones, wifi, and telecoms masts.

ICNIRP is currently meeting in Cape Town to decide, among other things, whether there is any evidence that children are at higher risk from this radiation. ICNIRP has not revised its radiation safety guidelines since 1998, completely ignoring the vast proliferation of wireless technologies since then, including the widespread use of mobile phones by children.

The BabySafe Project is a new, public awareness initiative designed to inform women about the risks of wireless radiation in pregnancy and offers 10 ways to reduce wireless exposure – including sleeping as far away as possible from wireless Smart Meters (better still: get them removed).

The BabySafe Project focuses on the threat to pregnant mothers and their unborn. Their “Joint Statement on Pregnancy and Wireless Radiation” was signed off on by 44 physicians and scientists from 13 nations, and by 13 educators who have studied wireless radiation health effects. Most importantly they have outlined 10 ways to reduce wireless exposure.

Leading Scientists interested in the field of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) have developed an online questionnaire to investigate the possible health implications of exposure to EMR. To find out more visit our Health Questionnaires Page or follow this link to go directly to the survey - EMRRFSA Health Research Survey

Our Partners

The EMRRFSA Foundation Research and Precautionary Principle is supported by Strilli Oppenheimer, well recognised as a supporter of conservation.

The Diamond Route is a massive national project which focuses on linking the conservation properties of the Oppenheimer family and De Beers. These properties conserve vast conservation areas and provide a safe haven for a wide variety of unique, rare and ecologically important plants and wildlife and provide endless photographic opportunities. These properties are open to the public who are encouraged to explore this wealth of tourism opportunities.
Please visit the website www.diamondroute.co.za or contact Duncan MacFadyen, Manager of Research and Conservation: E. Oppenheimer & Son on Duncan.MacFadyen@eoson.co.za

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Protection tips for you and your children

1) Children should only use cell phones in the event of an emergency (Russia recommends no under 18’s and the UK recommends no U16’s)
2) Do not place a mobile phone on your body or against your head whilst it is switched on
3) Use your cell phone on loud speaker away from your head
4) Do not use a mobile phone in enclosed metal spaces such as trains, vehicles or elevators
5) Pregnant women should highly restrict their use of cell phones and not work in Wi-Fi environments.
6) Use a wired ADSL line for internet instead of Wi-Fi/ WiMax. Do not use routers to broadcast the signal throughout your home. Plug directly in.
7) Avoid Wi-Fi hotspots, especially when accompanied by children
8) Avoid DECT phones (portable), baby monitors and standing near microwave ovens when in use.
9) Avoid choosing a home near cell /broadband masts, electric pylons and sub stations.
10) Do not have your cell phone next to your bed. Switch it off at night or place it in another room/ passage.
11) Holiday in non-Wi-Fi hotels and hotels that do not have cell antennae on the roof or near the resort.
12) Ensure your child’s school does not have Wi-Fi or a cell mast. Hardwired internet through ADSL is the safer option (with no routers in the classroom).
13) Children should have limited time on game consoles. Select consoles that come with wired controllers over wireless controllers.
14) Do not sign on for wireless telephone systems. Insist on a cabled landline.
15) Do not buy compact fluorescent bulbs as they emit high frequency transients – keep using incandescent or buy CLEDs.
16) Do not agree to a cell/ Broadband mast on or near your property.
17) Never complain about the poor reception on your cell phone